Encyst
/ɪnˈsɪst/noun
To enclose within a cyst or protective cyst-like capsule.
Did you know?Encystment is a genuine survival strategy: certain parasites and microorganisms form resistant capsules that help them endure hostile environments before reactivating.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*keus-
“A reconstructed root associated with hollowing, enclosing, or forming a cavity”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κύστις (kústis)
“Bladder, pouch, or sac”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κύστη (kýstē)
“A pouch-like sac or bladder”
17th Century
New Latin
cystis
“A cyst or bladder-like sac, used in medical terminology”
19th Century
English
encyst
“To enclose in a cyst; formed from en- plus cyst”
Modern English
English
encyst
“To become or cause to become enclosed in a protective cyst”